Charles Dwight McGowan, age 87, of Elgin, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 16, surrounded by his loving family.
Charlie was born on May 2, 1938, in Evanston, Illinois, the only child of Elsie and Harry McGowan. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1957. Shortly thereafter, he proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on January 6, 1958. During his service, he was stationed at Twentynine Palms, California, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and was honorably discharged on January 6, 1961.
On March 14, 1959, Charlie married the love of his life, Janice (Markowitz). Together they shared a lifetime of love and devotion and were blessed with four children: Dean (Mandy), Dale (Jon), Dann (Annette), and Dena (Jason) Jetel.
Charlie was a proud grandfather to Jennifer (Sam) Martinez, Jason (Megan), Holly, Hanna, and Chase, and a cherished great-grandfather to Isabella, Gianna, Birdie, and Jaxon. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Luann Bauer; nephews Shane (Melisa), Blake (Ashly), and Jeremy (Courtney); great-nephews and a great-niece; along with many beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and Harry McGowan; his brother-in-law, Harold Bauer; as well as cousins and many lifelong friends.
Charlie began working for Illinois Bell in Elgin in 1957 and returned after his military service, dedicating nearly 40 years before retiring in 1997. He was known as a loyal, dependable, and hardworking employee.
Charlie was a devoted fan of all Chicago sports, especially the Bears. He enjoyed camping, attending car shows, antiquing, and sharing coffee with friends—but most of all, he treasured time spent with his family.
To know Charlie was to love him. With a heart of gold, his kindness, warmth, and genuine spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, January 10, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. and the service at 1:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 195 Nesler Road, Elgin. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion, 820 N. Liberty Street, Elgin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Good Shepard Lutheran Church.
Charlie was born on May 2, 1938, in Evanston, Illinois, the only child of Elsie and Harry McGowan. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1957. Shortly thereafter, he proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on January 6, 1958. During his service, he was stationed at Twentynine Palms, California, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and was honorably discharged on January 6, 1961.
On March 14, 1959, Charlie married the love of his life, Janice (Markowitz). Together they shared a lifetime of love and devotion and were blessed with four children: Dean (Mandy), Dale (Jon), Dann (Annette), and Dena (Jason) Jetel.
Charlie was a proud grandfather to Jennifer (Sam) Martinez, Jason (Megan), Holly, Hanna, and Chase, and a cherished great-grandfather to Isabella, Gianna, Birdie, and Jaxon. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Luann Bauer; nephews Shane (Melisa), Blake (Ashly), and Jeremy (Courtney); great-nephews and a great-niece; along with many beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and Harry McGowan; his brother-in-law, Harold Bauer; as well as cousins and many lifelong friends.
Charlie began working for Illinois Bell in Elgin in 1957 and returned after his military service, dedicating nearly 40 years before retiring in 1997. He was known as a loyal, dependable, and hardworking employee.
Charlie was a devoted fan of all Chicago sports, especially the Bears. He enjoyed camping, attending car shows, antiquing, and sharing coffee with friends—but most of all, he treasured time spent with his family.
To know Charlie was to love him. With a heart of gold, his kindness, warmth, and genuine spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, January 10, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. and the service at 1:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 195 Nesler Road, Elgin. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion, 820 N. Liberty Street, Elgin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Good Shepard Lutheran Church.
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